It's not often that I get two examples of nearly the same model from two different manufacturers, however my recent branch into collecting Chinese airlines has given me more scope for this eventuality. In the first of a multi-part series I will compare 2 releases side by side to see which is the most accurate. First up Phoenix and Aeroclassic battle it out on the A319.

I've had Phoenixes 2014 release of a Chongqing Airlines Airbus A319 for nearly two years but only just acquired Aeroclassics' 2015 release of the near identical model from a Waffle sale. The Phoenix version represents B-6248, whilst the AC version is B-6246, however they are both A319-133 and should be near identical. Chongqing Airlines itself is a China Southern subsidiary and has already featured in the airline history blog - see LCCs Go West: Chongqing Airlines Transforms.

Left: Aeroclassics / Right: Phoenix

The Mould

As discussed in the A320 mould review the Aeroclassics mould is pretty much the best A320 family mould in town. The A319 moulds share all the same features as their larger cousins in 1/400. This means that the AC mould is a bit better all round. It is seamless and has excellent proportions. Detractions from the AC mould are the tyres on the undercarriage (far too small and not detailed) and the slightly over-sized IAE engines. The Phoenix A319 in this case is a version of the older Phoenix mould and has a small seam near the wingroot. Still it's no slouch and is still a decent mould. This version was released before antenna began to be fitted but has much better tyres than the Aeroclassics. Having said that the Aeroclassics has better undercarriage legs despite the tyres. Both moulds are perfectly respectable.

Mould Winner: Aeroclassics

The Livery

What is interesting with this model is how different in detail the livery is between the two models. I should also point out that technically the two models represent different time periods since the Phoenix model has the China Southern roundel after the titles which seems to have started appearing on the fleet from early 2012 whereas the Aeroclassics version is missing the roundel so represents an aircraft from 2009-2012.

Livery winner: Draw

Left: Aeroclassics / Right: Phoenix

Tail Areas

Looking at the real aircraft you can see quite easily which of the versions looks more realistic. The Aeroclassics version has a dotted finish to represent the blue shading into white whereas the Phoenix has a much more gradual and realistic gradation. In addition the grey colour of the horizontal stabiliser join area is better in the Phoenix, which also had better detailing on the door. The Aeroclassics mould has a better shaped tail and rear fuselage but it can't overcome some lacklustre detailing. The Aeroclassics version also features an odd light blue line following the blue sash. I can't see this in the real thing at all.

Tail Winner: Phoenix

Left: Aeroclassics / Right: Phoenix

Nose Area

Looking at the nose the unwanted grey colour band is still an issue on the Aeroclassics. The blue colour of both is fine however you could argue it lightens to early on the Aeroclassics mould. The nosegear of the Aeroclassics is clearly too small however even though the Phoenix has a better tyre Phoenix have failed to remove tabs on the tyres (a common complaint with Phoenix). The gear legs of the Aeroclassics are much more detailed with the Phoenix seemingly lacking the upper forward strut completely. The big problem I have with the Phoenix is the cockpit windows. They are much too large and the wrong shape (again a common complaint with Phoenix - especially on their 737s). In this case I have to give a victory to Aeroclassics at the front of the model - though both are far from perfect.

Nose Winner: Aeroclassics

Left: Aeroclassics / Right: Phoenix

Overall

In many ways both these models represent the successes and failures of both manufacturers, at least with their baby buses. Aeroclassics tyres and detailing on the livery are weaknesses, whereas Phoenix's moulds, cockpit windows and quality control are inferior. In this case which model you think is better probably depends on whether you favour the mould's quality over the livery representation. I'd effectively call it a draw and both aren't exceptional examples from either manufacturer.